become frantic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become frantic" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a state of extreme anxiety or panic that someone experiences in a stressful situation. Example: "As the deadline approached, she began to become frantic about finishing her project." Alternative expressions include "become agitated" and "become panicked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Preparations in Bangkok have become frantic.

The New York Times

Then she cracks open her laptop to resume a job hunt that has become frantic.

The New York Times

She was like those people who retire to a place where they have holidayed, and in this holiday place become frantic with boredom and solitude.

The New Yorker

At a moment when other politicians might become frantic or sullen, he has remained quintessentially himself: calm, self-possessed, almost aggressively unruffled.

The New York Times

Many expect a bail-out package to be assembled within days.In recent weeks the bond markets have become frantic about the sorry state of Ireland's economy, public finances and banks.

The Economist

"Yet the moment a journalist gets into the picture we designers immediately become frantic — we turn into producers, and it is a different format when you get in supermodels".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The drummers' rhythm became frantic.

The Guardian - Travel

His attacks on himself became frantic.

The Guardian

As I watched the cooking time expanding into hours, not minutes, I became frantic.

The New York Times - Travel

But when she tried to stop administering pentothal, Mason became frantic.

The New York Times - Magazine

In pursuit of the initial high, I became frantic about how class was run.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with the preposition 'about' or 'with' to specify the cause, such as 'become frantic with worry' or 'become frantic about the deadline'.

Common error

Avoid using "become frantic" when you solely mean that a schedule is very busy or fast-paced without an element of fear or panic. In those cases, "become frenetic" or "become hectic" might be more accurate descriptors of the environment rather than the emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become frantic" functions as a verb phrase where 'become' acts as a copular (linking) verb and 'frantic' serves as the subject complement. This structure is used to describe a change in state or condition of the subject. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically standard and highly effective for depicting character development or situational escalation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "become frantic" is a robust and widely used English phrase that effectively captures the transition into a state of panic or hurried anxiety. Ludwig data shows a high concentration of this phrase in prestigious news sources, confirming its status as a reliable choice for professional and creative writing. Whether describing a job hunt, a rescue mission, or a market reaction, it remains a powerful tool for indicating rising tension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests that while synonyms like "become frenzied" exist, the query phrase remains the most balanced option for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become frenzied

Shifts the focus toward wild, uncontrolled, or violent activity rather than just internal anxiety

descend into panic

Uses a more metaphorical 'downward' movement to describe the emotional shift

start to panic

Focuses on the inception of the panicked state rather than the ongoing condition

grow desperate

Emphasizes a loss of hope or a sense of being at the end of one's tether

lose composure

Focuses on the failure to remain calm and collected

get agitated

A milder alternative that implies physical or mental restlessness without full-blown panic

become worked up

A more informal way to describe someone getting increasingly upset or anxious

reach a fever pitch

Usually describes a collective situation or pace of activity becoming extremely intense

succumb to hysteria

Implies a total loss of rational control, often in a group context

start to fret

Much milder, implying worry or fussing rather than intense franticness

FAQs

How do I use "become frantic" in a sentence?

In Ludwig, you can see it used to describe escalating stress, such as: 'As the deadline approached, the team began to "become frantic"'. You might also consider using "grow anxious" for a slightly less intense version.

Is it better to say "become frantic" or "get frantic"?

Both are correct, but "become frantic" is generally preferred in formal writing and literature. In casual conversation, "get frantic" is more common.

What can I say instead of "become frantic" in a professional email?

If you want to sound more professional while describing a high-pressure situation, you might use "become increasingly concerned" or "feel the urgency".

Does "become frantic" always imply fear?

Not necessarily. While it often implies fear or worry, it can also describe a state of disorganized, hurried activity, similar to "become overwhelmed" or "rush wildly".